Jackson makes up for lost time

Bucs beat

S Tanard Jackson, suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, has been one of the Bucs' biggest playmakers since he's returned.

The third-year pro has created a turnover in each of the last four games, racking up a career-high three interceptions, along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Jackson said being away from football has helped change his preparation habits and credits the new system under defensive coordinator Jim Bates, which has allowed him more freedom to make plays on the ball.

Jackson, who played cornerback at Syracuse, has also been a nickel back.

"No question, we're free a lot of times in the back end of this match-up defense, which allows us to make plays on the ball; it allows us to read the quarterback's eyes," Jackson said.

Perhaps that's why Jackson said he's looking forward to playing the Saints and Drew Brees, the league's fourth-ranked quarterback in passing yards.

"I told Ronde [Bar ber] earlier this week I love playing this team," Jackson said. "As good as they are this year, they're on a roll, an unbeaten team and we're having a down year, but I love playing this team. You get to make plays on some balls. You know they're going to throw 45, 50 times a game. It's a challenge for us, definitely. But I think we're up for it."

Seeing red

A bright spot in the Bucs season has been red zone efficiency, scoring touchdowns an NFL-best 70.6 percent (12-of-17) of the time they've been inside the 20.

But the second-ranked team, the Cardinals, have had twice as many possessions (34) in the red zone.

"We've just got to get down there more so we can have more opportunities," coach Raheem Morris said. "Once you get down there, you start to have that confidence, you start to grow in the fourth quarter like we have the last two weeks."

Injury update

WR Antonio Bryant (knee) returned to full participation in practice Thursday, another good sign he might be able to play Sunday against the Saints. But Morris said Bryant will still likely be a game-time decision. CB Aqib Talib, Winslow and RB Cadillac Williams also returned to full participation, with QB Byron Leftwich (right elbow) the only player limited.